Impact Assessment Study

Terms of Reference

 

Final Terms of Reference for the Impact Assessment Study

 

Reclamation at Fisherman Islands

Proponent:
 Port of Brisbane Corporation
Proposed Development:
 Port Development Reclamation
Location:
 Fisherman Islands
Local Government:
 Brisbane City Council
Responsible Authority:
 Environmental Protection Agency
Legislation:
 
 State Development and Public Works
Organisation Act, 1971

 

 

MARCH 1999

Preamble

The requirement for impact assessment (IA) relates to the Queensland Department of Transport’s Environment Policy for Queensland Ports as well as Section 29 of the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act.

There are a number of environmental impacts associated with coastal developments, and the goal of the IA, in addition to development assessment, is to minimise or avoid potential environmental harm from the proposed development. Environmental impacts arise largely from the characteristics (geological and hydrological) of coastal sites, including high water tables and berm and dune instability as well as the presence of biological systems. More recently additional requirements resulting from the possibility of rising sea levels and climate change from the build up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have needed to be taken into account.

The aims of the IA process are as follows:

  • to provide an appropriate level of consultation with stakeholders during the investigation, assessment and design phases;
  • to assess whether the project should proceed on the basis of potential environmental harm:
  • to ensure that the outcomes of the investigation and studies become operational commitments. To this end development of agreed performance criteria through an environmental management (EM) plan will be undertaken;
  • to enable the Port of Brisbane Corporation (PBC) to monitor environmental management performance through implementation of an environmental management system that is flexible and auditable;
  • to enable agreed environmental management strategies (with performance criteria and auditing procedures) to be determined through environmental authorisations; and
  • to provide stakeholders with evidence that decisions in respect of current operations and the proposed reclamation are based on best available information and will result in sound environmental management.

Proponent
The proponent for the proposed reclamation at Fisherman Islands is the Port of Brisbane Corporation. As the developer of a major State project, it is the responsibility of PBC to ensure that likely environmental impacts are thoroughly assessed and management strategies proposed. An IA is an accepted mechanism to ensure that this is achieved. PBC is responsible for ensuring the preparation and submission of an IAS incorporating an environmental management plan. Opportunities for public participation occur via comment on the draft terms of reference, IAS/EM plan any supplementary IAS and as part of a public consultation program.

A port is generally considered to be the interface between sea and land where facilities are provided for the receiving, storage, stockpiling, handling and loading, of ship-borne cargo to and from different locations, and for the servicing of vessels including provisioning, fuelling, waste reception and maintenance.

Impact Assessment Process
The impact assessment process includes the following steps:

  • preparation of an initial advice statement by the proponent and distribute to advisory bodies;
  • issue of a public notice that states:
  • an initial advice statement is available;
  • terms of reference for the IAS are available for public comment for not less than 20 working days;
  • final terms of reference will be available as public information; and
  • the draft IAS will be available for public comment for a period of not less than 40 working days.
  • in consultation with appropriate advisory bodies including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the responsible authority for the impact assessment process, determines the scope of work required and thus level of assessment and advises the proponent;
  • the proponent shall conduct a community consultation program concerning the proposal throughout the impact assessment process, desirably commencing no later than with the initial advice and terms of reference stage;
  • the proponent shall undertake environmental studies, consistent with the guidelines and, as appropriate, in consultation with the advisory bodies and community;
  • the proponent may voluntarily submit a preliminary draft IAS to EPA for review and comment as to its general adequacy;
  • the proponent releases the draft IAS including an EM plan;
  • a public notice is issued that the draft IAS is available generally for a period of not less than 40 working days;
  • a review is completed by EPA on the adequacy of the draft IA and any deficiencies are referred back to the proponent/consultants for response/attention/any additional work;
  • the proponent/ consultant amends the IAS/EM plan and/or provides supplementary information and resubmits it to advisory bodies and those members of the wider community who have provided substantive comment;
  • a final review report is prepared by EPA when the guidelines are satisfied; and
  • the review report, including recommendations, is referred to the decision making agency.

Degree of Detail

In preparing the IAS, it is the proponent’s responsibility to address the impacts of the proposal to the degree necessary to enable the stakeholders to be informed of all relevant impacts of the proposal. The level and nature of investigations should be relative to the likely extent and scale of impacts. It is suggested that the applicant/consultant contact the relevant referral agencies to clarify the nature and level of investigations.

Scope
The IA study will address the dredging of the new berths and the landfilling components of the reclamation activities for the proposed expansion of the port facilities at Fisherman Islands.

The following transport elements will be addressed in the following way:

  • As set out in the section headed Traffic and Transport on page 14 of the terms of reference, this IA study will detail the traffic and transport implications of the construction stage and outline the anticipated internal road and rail network for the proposed expanded port. The IA study will describe the process for traffic and transport infrastructure assessment.
  • The IA will not address the planning and provision of transport infrastructure (both rail and road) required to service the expanded land uses to be located at Fisherman Islands.
  • Transport infrastructure will be considered separately by the various transport authorities in the context of their transport studies and programs. The Port of Brisbane Strategic Plan for the entire port area is expected to identify the long term requirements which will be an input to the various transport planning studies and programs.

Other elements outside the terms of reference include:

The IA study will not address operational aspects of activities to be carried out at the Port, for example, hazard and risk assessments, shipping controls etc. Such activities are the subject of various State and Federal legislative requirements and might be appropriately addressed in any environmental management system adopted by the Port of Brisbane Corporation.

  • The IA will not address the planning and the development assessment processes for future activities which may be carried out at Fisherman Islands.

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Contents

The IAS produced should address the issues set out below and should generally follow the format as suggested in this document.

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary of no more than five pages must be included. The format of the executive summary should generally follow the format of the IAS. The aim of the executive summary is the listing of key impacts, strategies to be employed to manage the impacts and performance indicators for auditing purposes.

2. Objectives of the Impact Assessment Study

The function of this section is to explain why the IAS has been prepared, what is to be achieved and to define the target audience. Discussion of options and alternatives is a key aspect of the IAS as well as the provision of public information on the need for and likely impacts of the proposal, demonstration that the environmental impacts could be managed appropriately within limits perceived as acceptable to the community.

The aim should be the provision in the IAS of all the necessary information for the environmental management of the proposal and the meeting of the information requirements of the statutory approvals required for the project with specific reference to the environmental authorities required in respect of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.

3. Guidelines

The guidelines and accompanying letter of transmission provided by the Responsible Authority must be included in the IAS documentation.

4. Objectives of the Reclamation Project and Alternatives Considered

This section describes what the project aims to achieve, why there is a need for the proposal (including alternative methods for disposing of dredge waste and need for port land) and what alternatives exist to achieve the stated objectives.

The IAS should address in detail, the fundamental question of why it is necessary to create new port land within Moreton Bay for activities that could be accommodated on port land or industrial land onshore. The expansion of the Port of Brisbane should be assessed in the context of port facilities both within the State of Queensland and nationally.

This assessment of alternatives should address firstly, the alternatives to the expansion of port facilities at this location and secondly, the alternatives to the placement of dredge spoil from maintenance dredging in the proposed location. Any anticipated strategies to deal with dredge spoil from navigational channels after the life of this project should be outlined.

Financial, environmental and social aspects should be discussed as necessary. If objectives are focused on compliance with government legislation (waste control, for example) or policy (strategies on ecologically sustainable development, for example) this should be stated.

The alternatives, in particular, options relating to alternative dredge waste disposal methods and sites, prevention of or minimisation of the need for dredging, dredging methods and possible uses for dredge waste materials and transport routes, should be discussed in sufficient detail to make clear the reasons for preferring certain options and rejecting others. Perceived consequences should also be summarised. Alternatives should be discussed in sufficient detail to enable an understanding of any environmental tradeoffs inherent in choosing the preferred options. A economic analysis of alternatives and of the proposal as a whole is required.

5. Definition of the Area of the Impact Assessment

The boundary of the study area has not been defined in recognition of the fact that changed hydrology and wave dynamics may have impacts well beyond the area to be reclaimed. Assessment and modelling of potential impacts will be comprehensive and include the area of Moreton Bay and the Brisbane River that may be impacted either by the dredging or landfilling, as well as direct land-side construction vehicles (eg. revetment rock transport).

6. Other Statutory Approvals Required

Any approvals required outside the IAS process should be briefly described along with expected compliance timetables. The proposal should take account of the existing zoning and the long term policy framework for the area provided by the local and State government. Details of the environmental authorities required in respect of the Environmental Protection Act and the Interim Regulation should be provided. Discuss the level of assessment, documentation, process and whether public participation is involved. Details of any approvals required under the Harbours Act 1955 (continued under the provisions of the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994) and the Marine Parks Act 1982 ( eg dredging to provide fill) should be provided.

Relationship of the reclamation project to the Brisbane Gateway Ports Strategic Planning Study should be detailed.

7. Description of the Proposal

Describe the type of development proposed including information on:

  • location (including map) of site;
  • detailed design concept and staging plans proposed for the reclamation and development. Concept plans should be at a suitable scale showing the real property boundaries (or other easily referenced points) to allow overlay and comparison of other information relative to the particular site;
  • prospects or proposals for future expansion;
  • location criteria, including constraints;
  • area of land required;
  • the source, location, quantity and quality of infill material required to fill the proposed land system and the anticipated rate at which dredge spoil generated by the proponent will be utilised in the reclamation process. This analysis of dredge material should provide an indication of the balance between the finer silt fractions derived from the Brisbane River and the coarser sand fractions, sourced from the shipping channels within the Bay. The existing depth of navigational channels should be indicated along with any changes to the proposed channel depths
  • settlement of fill used;
  • target reclamation levels;
  • the proposed materials to be used (including such details as quantities, sources and nature of materials for fill, aggregate for construction etc) and the transport methods and routes;
  • blasting/excavation/dredging to be undertaken. The dredging equipment to be used in the construction of new berths should be detailed, the environmental impact of this technique outlined and alternative dredging methods indicated;
  • details of all proposed infrastructure and facilities in relation to Highest Astronomical Tide, Mean High Water Mark, Mean Low Water Mark and existing marine plant communities, including for example, training walls, revetment walls, stormwater outlets, etc;
  • the source, location, quantity and nature of any dredge spoil material and the proposed method and location of disposal;
  • methods of stormwater drainage, including details of the expected volumes and velocity of discharge and the proposed point/s of discharge into receiving waters; and
  • allotment drainage and adjoining properties drainage.

Provide details of the development during the construction phase, including:

  • construction timetable;
  • construction methods and containment/disposal of construction spoil;
  • the machinery and equipment to be used for excavation and construction;
  • life of operations, employment projections, and hours of work; and
  • engineering measures to ensure the integrity of the containment area/s throughout the construction phase and longterm.

Provide details and scalable plans of the site area layout, property boundaries and reclamation/development areas showing:

  • the exact location in relation to Moreton Bay Marine Park and Ramsar Site, Highest Astronomical Tide, Mean High Water Mark, Mean Low Water Mark and existing marine plant communities using accurate charts /maps and including real property and/or other suitable descriptions;
  • slopes and elevations including the depths of surrounding waters;
  • site drainage, stormwater and erosion controls;
  • proposals for revegetation, including plant species and proposed final use of the site; and
  • access arrangements, daily traffic generated, and internal roads, car parks and proposed infrastructure associated with the development.
  • proposed operational infrastructure including water reticulation, sewerage disposal, pump stations, stormwater and groundwater management, relocation of existing services etc associated with the reclamation.

Discuss pollution management strategies and control measures to be used, including:

  • control measures to be taken during construction to minimise dust, noise, air, water pollution and sediment loss in rainfall runoff;
  • the collection, treatment and disposal of contaminated stormwater runoff and
  • other liquid and solid wastes. In particular, detail;
  • diversion works,
  • collection and treatment of runoff from at least a 1 hour duration, 1 in 10 or 100 year storm event, and
  • the addition of nutrients, bacteria and trace elements to surface flow as well as ground water.

The following details relevant to the proposed site and surrounding area should also be described:

  • local government planning controls, by-laws and policies applying to the development;
  • approvals required for the project and expected program for approval applications;
  • land tenures affecting the site and adjacent areas that may be affected by the development; and
  • past and current usage of the site and surrounding area, including any history of site contamination including the assessment and levels of existing contamination.
  • affect of reclamation on adjacent land uses

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8. Description of Environment and Assessment of Potential Impacts

Detail overall environmental protection measures incorporated in the design, siting, layout, landscaping, rehabilitation and associated works to minimise impacts on the environment. Taking into account the adequacy of controls and safeguards, assess the impact of the development during construction and operating phases.

Information gathered for this section should identify and reference all relevant baseline data from other studies in a reference list as an appendix.

Information required includes:

Soils and Sediments
A description and map (at suitable scale) covering areas to be reclaimed and areas from which bund wall and fill material will be obtained with particular reference to those physical and chemical properties of the materials which may influence the final uses of the reclaimed area, the quality of discharge water from bund outlets and final landscaping. Potential and actual acid sulphate material should be determined in detail sufficient to ascertain appropriate management measures. Testing should be in accordance with the Queensland Acid Sulfate Soil Investigation Team (QASSIT) “Guidelines for Sampling and Analysis Procedure for Lowland Acid Sulfate Soils in Queensland” October 1998 Revision 4.

Should acid sulfate soils be identified, action in accordance with current State recommendations for ASS management would need to be taken to prevent and/or minimise any adverse impacts on stormwater, the reclamation site and adjacent areas, Consideration should also be given to protecting engineered structures from the corrosive properties of ASS and associated waters.

These management measure should be detailed.

Describe:

  • the physical and chemical properties of underlying material in the reclamation area including hazards such as geological faults, and unstable areas; and
  • the physical and chemical properties of the fill material;
  • the load-bearing capacity - in particular consider the suitability of in situ material including overlying marine sediments as a base for reclamation and for the foundation of breakwaters, revetments and other structures (including pile driving).

Hydrology and Hydraulics
Describe the hydrology and hydraulics of the area proposed to be reclaimed and the areas which will be affected by the proposed reclamation in terms of:

  • current velocities and directions at different tidal states;
  • tide heights;
  • bathymetry;
  • capacity for tidal flushing of the mouth of the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay;
  • sediment transport volumes, siltation patterns and directions;
  • water depth, ie accurate depth survey of the area at and adjacent to the proposed reclamation area; and
  • prevailing wind/wave directions and heights.

Assess the impact of the proposed reclamation on the areas which will be affected in terms of changes to:

  • current velocities and directions at different tidal states;
  • tide heights;
  • bathymetry;
  • capacity for tidal flushing of the mouth of the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay; and
  • sediment transport.

Assessment should also address the indirect effects of other non- adjacent areas and potential effects on vegetation / habitat (both terrestrial and marine).

Water Quality
Assess the existing water quality of the areas which will be affected by the proposal in terms of physical, chemical and biological characteristics. Parameters must include:

  • dissolved oxygen;
  • salinity;
  • pH;
  • turbidity and suspended sediment levels;
  • chlorophyll-a (to provide an index of phytoplankton biomass);
  • contaminants (eg. metals, pesticides, hydrocarbons);
  • temperature;
  • light penetration (Secchi depth); and
  • nutrients (organic/inorganic).

Assess the existing sediments of the areas from which material will be sourced by the proposal in terms of particle size distribution, settlement rates and contaminants (including metals, pesticides and hydrocarbons).

Compare the measured ambient water quality and water to be impacted by dredging and transport operations with ANZECC water quality guidelines and any historical data for the areas which will be affected. Sediments quality should be compared with the final ANZECC guidelines “Assessment of the Sea Disposal of Dredged and Excavated Material” September 1997.

Describe the water quality management and monitoring during the reclamation to maintain existing water quality.

Climate Conditions
Detail any climatic conditions which may impose constraints on the dredging, transport, and construction works. An analysis of the frequency of floods and their impact on the proposed works should be included.

Coastal Management

  • indicate the design wave conditions for the bund walls and final revetment works.
  • identify the implications of the ‘greenhouse effect’ on the development and the adjacent coast, particularly with respect to reclamation and building levels and the provision of adequate buffer zones along the coast to accommodate erosion caused by predicted sea level rises and changes in climatic conditions. Justify acceptance of the chosen risk levels.
  • Provide details of the cross section and plan shape of the reclamation area, and an assessment of the stability of this area under normal and storm conditions including existing wave conditions and predicted cyclone wave and water level conditions for a 1 in 100 year event and 1 in 500 year event.
  • Identify and quantify any changes to coastal processes, coastal and seabed morphology or coastal management at the sites or on the adjacent coastline likely to occur as a result of the proposed reclamation.
  • Identify changes in coastal current patterns and estuarine flow dynamics.
  • Investigate and report on the actions proposed to mitigate or accommodate effects on coastal processes/management.

Flora and Fauna
Present in the form of a map (at an ecologically meaningful scale that is administratively practical and taking into account regional and site specific levels), the marine and littoral vegetation (eg. mangroves, seagrass, saltmarsh, claypan) identifying the important areas of fish habitat and feeding grounds, staging and high tide roost sites for resident and migratory shorebirds covered by international agreements to which Australia is a signatory.

A comprehensive flora and fauna survey should be prepared and the location of any rare and threatened species should be mapped at an ecological meaningful scale that is administratively practical. A quantitative determination of any aquatic fauna and avifauna present or likely to be present in the area including an assessment of their local, sub-regional, regional, state, national and international significance should be presented.

Complementary information should include:

discussion of ecological relationships, sensitivity of species to changes and biological productivity including:

  • benthic (eg in fauna and epifauna);
  • pelagic (eg plankton, nekton);
  • fisheries habitat such as yabbies and baitworms, fish nurseries, etc. which would be adversely impacted by the removal of habitat or changes to current patterns;
  • mangrove communities; and,
  • areas and types of new habitat which will be created;
  • the major flora species and communities present likely to be affected by silt/sediment plumes within the likely zone of impact down current from the extraction sites - (in short and long terms), including species diversity and abundance;
  • the conservation status of existing habitats, species and communities indicating how well these are represented and preserved elsewhere within Moreton Bay;
  • any rare or endangered species or unusual community associations and their habitat requirements;
  • migratory species and their use of the area to be affected;
  • movement corridors and barriers to movement; and
  • presence of any rare or threatened species or species covered by international agreements (including RAMSAR, JAMBA and CAMBA) and the responsibilities imposed by such designations;.
  • the extent of the coral reefs around Mud and St Helena Islands;

Describe changes/losses/increases in marine and littoral flora and fauna (including migratory shorebird species and numbers, feeding, staging and high tide roost sites) in the area for the period prior to the development of the Port Intermodal Estate to the present.

A summary of the level of actual and potential environmental harm to aquatic and littoral flora and fauna from current and proposed activities should be presented.

Detail should be provided regarding the minimisation of ongoing development impacts on the wader bird roosting sites. Information should be provided on any buffers proposed to protect the wader bird roosting sites identified on the Base Planning Map provided with the application. A buffer area management plan should be developed as part of the EM plan for the site.

All known existing studies / species records should be referenced in an appendix.

The survey methodology should be provided in the impact assessment. Surveys should account for seasonal variations in the abundance and composition of faunal assemblages.

Details should be provided of any species that may have value as indicators of environmental stress, where they occur and how they are to be monitored during and following reclamation works.

Fisheries Production
Mangroves and seagrass beds are important sources of production that support a large proportion of commercial and recreational fishing in Queensland. This support is both direct, in the form of primary production, and indirect, in the form of shelter for juvenile fish and shellfish.

The importance of the areas to be affected to local fisheries’ production should be determined in the following ways:

  • estimate of primary production for the mangrove/seagrass communities to be affected by the project. Relate this to ultimate fisheries yield; and
  • estimate of the importance of the impacted areas as a nursery or as shelter for important commercial and recreational species (including baitworms), bait fish and food fish for commercial species. Again relate this to ultimate fisheries yield.
  • identify fish species of economic significance within the area to be reclaimed.

List the fishes, molluscs and crustaceans occurring in and adjacent to the development area, identifying their recreational, traditional and commercial fisheries significance and assess their distribution.

Data on field observations is to be accompanied by information on sampling methods and substantiation of the efficiency of those methods.

The assessment of the impact of the proposal on fisheries interests (commercial and recreational), tidal lands, habitats, flora and fauna shall identify and quantify:

  • all areas of different types of tidal lands or habitats which will be created and the purpose of the creation;
  • the immediate and long-term effects, and measures to minimise any impacts (including indirect impacts) on, existing fisheries interests, tidal habitats and marine flora and fauna, of any activity, disturbance, loss or creation of tidal lands or habitats;
  • the extent and nature of buffers to be retained between the proposed activities and tidal lands and marine flora and fauna;
  • any discharge (sewage, stormwater, or other effluent) from the proposal, location of outfalls and possible impacts on fisheries resources of such discharges and measures to minimise such impacts;
  • possible mitigation measures to offset losses of productive fisheries habitat;
  • any proposal to bund or build a barrier across a waterway should be specifically itemised; and
  • assess the current and predicted levels of insect pests, and assess the risk of disease/nuisance associated with the existing and possible increased breeding potential.

Evaluate the status of primary production at present and that expected in post reclamation eg. level of stress currently endured versus expected impacts of reclamation whether vegetation survives or distribution changes are expected.

Assess water quality by comparison to the seagrass depth range technique and data managed by EPA SE Region and University of Queensland, Marine Botany.

Noise
Specific advice on noise matters is available from EPA. A ‘code of practice’ to be adopted as part of the EM plan is suggested.

  • Identify potential noise sources and indicate proposed operating times.
  • Assess ambient noise levels at the premises potentially affected by noise from this proposal in accordance with current EPA regulations and guidelines. Information on noise levels should also be in accordance with the following environmental guidelines:
  • Draft Guidelines for Noise - Brisbane River Management Group; and
  • Setting and Assessing of General Noise Limits.
  • Indicate nearby land uses, dwellings or proposed subdivisions which could be affected by the proposal. Where nearby residents are potentially affected by the proposal, list all noise sources and describe areas where noisy activity could be expected to occur as a result of the proposal.
  • Detail the noise levels that can be expected within the twelve hour periods of 7am to 7pm and 7pm to 7am during the construction phase.
  • Indicate the vibration levels that residents within proximity to the Port might experience during the construction phase.

Assess the noise impacts from the dredging and reclamation operations. Detail any noise control measures to be adopted and predicted (or measured) effectiveness. All measurements and data presentation should be in accordance with Australian Standard AS1055 - Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise.

Air
Determine levels of acceptable air quality at sensitive places. Determine background air quality and potential air quality impacts caused by the project. Methodologies used should be to the satisfaction of EPA and the Brisbane City Council prior to commencement of studies. In the first instance methodologies used should conform with sections 66 and 67 of the Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 1997.

Assess the air quality impacts from all phases of the dredging and reclamation activities.

Assess the significance of the predicted ground level concentration of each pollutant. This should include an estimate of the expected number of persons likely to be exposed to elevated concentrations and the likely frequency and times of occurrence. The likely consequences of elevated ground concentrations (eg health effects, vegetation damage, nuisance) should be described.

Address potential harm from air emissions on local wetland habitat and species during the reclamation and port operation phases.

Address the issue of light nuisance to residents and native fauna caused by the expansion of port facilities.

Traffic and Transport
Given the extended construction period, the combined operational traffic and transport of the current Fisherman Islands port complex and the added construction transport requirements should be estimated.

Detail the transport and traffic implications during the construction stage including:

  • source of quarry rock and other bund or construction materials;
  • transport routes to the site for quarry rock and bund material;
  • estimates of construction traffic volumes and the implications for local and regional road and intersection capacities;
  • hours of operation of trucking movements during the construction
  • impact of construction traffic in terms of noise, dust and air quality criteria

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9. Environmental Management and Monitoring

The IA study should detail all practical methods to manage the anticipated adverse environmental and social impacts. For impacts identified, a comprehensive EM plan needs to be developed in conformity with guidelines attached. The Plan should detail management strategies and relevant measures to be undertaken during the preparation, construction and operational phases which address the outstanding issues identified. Ensure adequate detail is provided to demonstrate that the proposed mitigation of potential impacts will result in appropriate management strategies. The EM plan should identify all potential adverse impacts of the proposal and detail the commitments to mitigate and manage each potential impact. Where practical, the cost of monitoring programs should be estimated and responsibility for monitoring programs specified.

Generally the EM plan should detail the overall environmental protection measures incorporated in the design, siting, layout and landscaping of the reclamation area and associated works (eg to minimise the visual impact, prevent/minimise loss of shorebird habitat) and the measures in place to ensure that employees and construction managers understand their environmental protection obligations (ie codes of environmental conduct).

The proposal should be in accordance with best practice environmental management and this should be defined with reference to other projects.

Particular issues to be addressed should include:

  • safeguards to mitigate the effects of the dredging process, including:
  • in-stream effects;
  • stability of banks;
  • water quality; and
  • dredged material placement;
  • safeguards and measures for the handling and disposal of potentially contaminated material;
  • the management and monitoring of leachate and runoff from the reclamation area;
  • control measures to reduce sediment input to the river/bay
  • monitoring of water quality during and following works and corrective actions likely to be used to improve performance. Collaboration with existing monitoring programs carried out and managed by EPA, the University of Queensland and Brisbane River Management Group is to be addressed. Provision for the need to monitor the long term effects on hydrology and thus water quality and ecology and fisheries production should be addressed and
  • the nature and expected frequency of steps to be taken to correct detrimental effects identified by monitoring, and the allocation of responsibilities for these steps.

The reporting program should detail procedures for reporting on monitoring, and management programs as detailed above and proposed recipients of reports for review.

To ensure dredging and reclamation works are taking place according to the plan, operations should be monitored at regular intervals. The monitoring program should specify:

  • location of monitoring points;
  • frequency of monitoring; and
  • outline the measures proposed to monitor the impacts on the environment throughout the life of the operation and for a period (to be agreed upon) after extraction has ceased.

The extent to which the proposal is consistent with the obligations, aims/objectives and/or performance criteria of the following should be outlined;

  • identification of key performance indicators for relevant environmental protection measures;
  • Moreton Bay Marine Park and Zoning Plan;
  • the Waterways Management Plan 1998;
  • any Environmental Management System prepared by the Port of Brisbane Corporation;
  • best practice environmental management; and
  • cleaner production and industrial ecology principles.

Monitoring programs should also:

  • ensure safeguards are being effectively applied;
  • identify any unpredicted impacts requiring remedial measures; and
  • measure any differences between predicted and actual impacts.

Environmental Authorities
These are required pursuant to interim regulations under the Environmental Protection Act for the operation of any environmentally relevant activities (ERAs) and would be issued to the operators of any such activities.

An environmental management plan would be the main accompanying document in support of applications for approvals of environmentally relevant activities and any other development and environmental approvals. Environmental authorities would refer to the EM plan, but may also contain other necessary conditions. Waste management and controls on release of contaminants to the environment by the use of appropriate technologies and methods (best management) should be addressed in the EM plan.

It is intended that the IA study form the basis for all supporting information for any decision to issue environmental authorities and that an EM plan contain the strategies for management of environmental impacts.

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10. Consultation

In preparing the IA study, the proponent/consultant shall consult stakeholders. The IA study shall detail any public comment from any consultation conducted with affected groups (eg. community, environment, industry) in developing the proposal and preparing the IA study.

The following government bodies should be consulted prior to and throughout the preparation of the IA study:

  • the EPA in regard to air, water and noise impacts and relevant pollution control legislation requirements, heritage and conservation issues, and any necessary approvals for works in tidal waters and in the Moreton Bay Marine Park.
  • the Fisheries Resource Management Section of the Department of Primary Industries if destruction of marine plants is proposed or in respect of fisheries and wetland issues;
  • the Queensland Fish Management Authority with respect to fisheries’ issues;
  • the Department of Main Roads and BCC with respect to road transport issues;
  • Queensland Rail and Queensland Transport on issues relating to railways and rail land;
  • the Regional Harbour Master (Brisbane) on issues relating to safe navigation of shipping in Moreton Bay;
  • Social Impact Assessment Unit of the Department of Families, Youth and Community Care for impacts on the social environment; and
  • BCC for land use planning and environmental management issues.

The following stakeholder groups should be consulted during the preparation of the IA study:

  • SUNFISH, Moreton Bay Branch and the Queensland Commercial Fishermen’s Organisation concerning affects on fishing activities in the area;
  • Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action (F.A.I.R.A.) Aboriginal Corporation in relation to Native Title issues;
  • The Turrbal People and the Quandamooka Land Council Aboriginal Corporation in relation to cultural heritage and Native Title issues;
  • Queensland Conservation Council;
  • Queensland Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
  • Australian Marine Conservation Society;
  • Bayside Environmental Network;
  • Queensland Wader Study Group;
  • Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland; and
  • community groups including local residents, adjacent land holders, and any other stakeholder groups identified.

The IA study should state the changes expected as a consequence of, and in response to the consultation program for the IA process.

11 . Conclusions and Recommendations

As a result of the findings of the IA study, present a balanced overview of the proposal’s net impact and provide recommendations on the proposal. This should include the identification of any alterations to the proposal. Where any impacts on the environment are not definitively described state the reasons for this, likely impact level and monitoring strategies.

RECOMMENDED APPENDICES

1. Term of Reference

2. Development Approvals And Development Contributions

3. List of Referral Agencies and Contact Officers Upon completion of the preparation of the Draft IA study, copies are to be distributed to the advisory bodies (see section 8). Further copies should be made available to other stakeholders and the community.

4. References All scientific reports, study materials, and other information should be referenced in the appropriate format

5. Stakeholder Consultation Plan

  • Public involvement in the process should be accessible, transparent, accountable, flexible and provide for certainty and should be conducted with integrity. A tabular format is a recommended way of summarising the results of this process. The table is not to replace specific reference to public involvement throughout the impact assessment report. Rather with specific cross reference to page numbers or section numbers of the report, the table becomes a useful reference tool.

Participant

  • who was consulted.
  • which groups or individuals made submissions.
  • which were consulted directly

Process

  • methods used in consultation and in identifying key groups to be consulted
  • meetings, submissions, small groups, numbers of participants, etc

Issue

  • issues raised by participants
  • objectives, suggestions, options

Response

  • how were issues raised dealt with in the final report
  • mitigation strategies, compensation measures
  • In addition a stakeholder consultation plan is recommended. It should identify stages or phases of the consultation process and distinguish between consultation activities and other activities such as information dissemination and public relations activities. The Department of Families, Youth and Community Care would be pleased to assist and comment on the Plan if required.

6. Glossary

7. Study Team Include the names and brief curricula vitae of all personnel involved.

FINAL TERMS OF REFERENCE
RECLAMATION AT FISHERMAN ISLANDS
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
MARCH 1999

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